The Fangirl’s Guide to the Galaxy by Sam Maggs

Fangirls, last weekend I had some plans. There was Earthworld Comics’ Fangirls Night Out on Friday, I had work Saturday, and then I was going to do a ton of writing to get some planning stuff done. But I ended up staying at work late and going to a baby shower for several hours after that. At the baby shower, my mother mentioned that something came in the mail for me. I assumed it was my Ladybox from Madame Ladybug, but she said it was book shaped. Fast forward, and we got home. My mum handed me the mystery package and I opened it, and instantly started screaming. The advance copy of The Fangirl’s Guide to the Galaxy was in my hands, and to be honest, I was losing my shit.

It took me awhile to even open it, but as soon as I did I started crying. I’m an emotional person, Fangirls. I get a lot of feelings over things that seem pretty minor, but they tend to mean a lot to me. This book is one of them. I had all of those things to do, but I threw them out the window, and sat down to read the most important book I’ve laid eyes on.

Fangirls, I can’t even put to words how amazing this book is. Visually, it’s stunning. The font choices are lovely and personable, and also IN THE FRONT OF THE BOOK SO YOU CAN USE THEM. That absolutely floored me; I hadn’t noticed it in a book before and anyway here’s wonderwall. Also, the colors. There are some illustrations throughout the novel, but The Fangirl’s Guide to the Galaxy has beautifully colored chapter pages and everything. Plus the colors are used in the text (at the bottom and also in the headings). And of course, the illustrations in it (done by Kelly Bastow) are absolutely amazing. Nothing is too detailed, but it’s perfect. And the book itself. Wow. It’s a great size (doesn’t quite fit into a pocket, but is definitely an easy book to travel with). It fits well in a purse and bag, and will fit into the Christmas stocking of your favorite Fangirl in a couple months. Plus the cover? Yes! More please.

Maggs’ writing is fantastic. It’s conversational and personal, and I feel like I know Sam Maggs as a friend now, and we get each other (though she does enjoy Aquaman, which really confuses me). The book isn’t just a story, but a collection of how tos, guides, and pretty much world maps of the different forms of geekdom; from Fangirl lingo to hosting your own geeky event. It’s amazing, and there’s no other way to describe it.

In case you couldn’t tell, I’m in love with Sam Maggs’ The Fangirl’s Guide to the Galaxy. She has made me more proud than ever to be a Fangirl, and I feel like we’re connected in the best way ever. It’s amazing.

So Fangirls, I’ve got two suggestions for you. First, go buy yourself this book. And it’s early summer, so you know what’s coming up? Convention Season. Grab this book and have all of the inspiring Fangirls included in it sign it. That’s my plan for this summer. And number two? Give it to everyone. I’m going to gift copies to all of my Fangirl friends, and let them experience how absolutely fantastic this novel is.

And you know what else is great? It’s not just for female identifying Fangirls. It could be good for dude nerds who are of the feminist persuasion who agree with Fangirls on treatment of women. There are short interviews with tons of amazing women, which are good for everyone. One of my favorite sections was on conventions; what to pack, who to go with, what to do there. Stuff like that is great for everyone. It even includes a pretty detailed list of conventions for different fandoms.

There were so many fabulous things about this book that I don’t want to stop rambling about how fantastic is is. I want to go into detail on the list of strong female characters that is put together, or the extremely helpful list of resources on the final few pages of the book. But I want you to go read it for yourself, so I’m going to leave you with the Feminist Fangirl Litany:

I am a geek girl and I am a feminist. I embrace the word “fangirl” with open arms. I don’t have to prove my nerd cred to anyone, ever. Whether I’m a comics n00b, or a fic writer typing up her next chapter, or a hardcore gamer who sometimes forgets to sleep (not that I ever do that), no one gets to decide whether I do or do not belong. From SuperWhoLock to Shakarian, I acceot all fandoms and ships as equally meaningful and important in our geek girl lives. Even if your OTP is my NOTP, I will still like you (though I may have to unfollow your blog). I will support empowering, lady-created media and amazing female characters who make me feel like I could be Batgirl, if I just had some yellow Doc Martens and a vigilante complex. I’m the Doctor, not a companion; Buffy, not Bella; nobodies sidekick, love interest, or token female. I’m driving this ship. I’m a fangirl, a feminist, and a force to be reckoned with.

The bottom line is, everyone should read this book. It’s incredibly important and honest, all without being “preachy.” The Fangirl’s Guide to the Galaxy by the amazing Sam Maggs comes out on May 12th, and you should definitely get your hands on it.

You can order it at these wonderful resources:Barnes & NobleAmazon
And your local comic shop, if you ask nicely.

So go do it. Write your fan fiction, run your blog, and always ALWAYS own it, because guess what? You’re a Fangirl, dammit!

All images and characters depicted are copyright of their respective owners.

One thought on “The Fangirl’s Guide to the Galaxy by Sam Maggs”

[…] come to conventions with me in hopes of using the interview section as a bit of an autograph book. I reviewed it right when it came out, earlier this year, and can not recommend it to you enough. Sam Maggs has […]